Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Guide to “Smuggled Relic Case” and “An Academic Interest” Quests

Key Takeaways:

1. Master the Venatori barrier mechanics and break crystals to open critical paths.
2. Prepare your party with ranged abilities and crowd-control skills for effective demon battles.
3. Complete both quests to gain valuable rewards, faction strength boosts, and enhanced party bonds.

As you step into the mysterious Hossberg Wetlands in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by opportunities for adventure. Two key side quests “Smuggled Relic Case” and “An Academic Interest” await players who are keen to uncover the secrets lurking south of Lavendel. With challenges ranging from navigating Venatori barriers to battling a powerful demon, here’s everything you need to know to successfully complete both quests and maximize your rewards.

The Smuggled Relic Case Quest

Step 1: Meeting Bastian and Starting the Investigation

Upon entering Lavendel, located just south of the eluvian portal, you’ll encounter Bastian, an NPC eager to enlist your help. Bastian explains that the owner of a nearby manor has mysteriously vanished, sparking an investigation into the suspicious activities at Gaspin Manor.

Step 2: Journey to Gaspin Manor and Unlocking the Barriers

• Reaching the Manor: From Lavendel, fast-travel to the beacon southeast of Lavendel near the eastern tunnels, which will lead you to the Old Crossroads. Head south into the Cavernous Tunnels area, accessible only once you’ve activated this quest.
• Breaking Venatori Barrier Crystals: Inside the tunnels, you’ll find Venatori barrier crystals blocking your path. These barriers must be dismantled systematically:
  • First Barrier: Destroy five crystals to break through.
  • Second Barrier: Shatter eight crystals to access the next area.
  • Third Barrier: Clear five more crystals to unlock the manor entrance.

Each set of crystals is linked by red tendrils, which you can follow to locate and destroy each barrier component, ultimately allowing access to the manor.

Step 3: Entering Gaspin Manor and Solving the Wisp Puzzle

Once inside Gaspin Manor, prepare for a series of fights with Venatori protecting fourteen additional crystals. As you fight your way through, you’ll also encounter a wisp puzzle in the manor’s courtyard. To complete it:

• Positioning the Statues: Spin each courtyard statue to align them with nearby braziers, unlocking the room containing the wisp.
  • Northeast statue – turn toward the brazier to the west.
  • Southeast statue – face it towards the east-side railing brazier.
  • Northwest statue – spin to the south to align with the brazier overlooking the courtyard.

The wisp, once freed, can be directed to the manor’s main gate, unlocking an alternate exit. This exit grants access to the manor’s southern regions, where additional loot awaits.

Step 4: Battling Demons in the Manor’s Depths

The final Venatori barrier secures the entrance to the cellar, where a powerful demon known as Consuming Obsession lurks. Here’s what to expect:

• Encounter with Consuming Obsession: The demon has barrier health, armor, and the ability to create clones of itself using nearby smaller demons. Use detonation abilities to quickly dispatch these clones and prevent them from overpowering your party.
• Combat Strategy: Consuming Obsession’s attacks include beam strikes and a blast attack that can be redirected. If needed, retreat between rooms to avoid area-of-effect (AoE) attacks. With limited space, crowd control abilities are essential, and evasive maneuvers will help you withstand the demon’s relentless assault.

Step 5: Reporting Back to Bastian

After defeating Consuming Obsession, return to Lavendel and inform Bastian about your findings. In recognition of your bravery, you’ll earn rewards, including:

• Experience and Gold: +500 EXP and +200 Gold.
• Special Loot: 3 Fade-Touched Ore, 6 Fade-Touched Crystals, Old Amulet, Viridian Tusk, Griffon’s Talon, Hammer, Reinforced Regiment Leathers (Warrior class), and Guard’s Broadaxe (Warrior class).
• Faction Boosts: +100 Mourn Watch Strength and +100 Grey Wardens Strength.

An Academic Interest Quest

An Academic Interest takes players through another facet of the Hossberg Wetlands, exploring a nearby village while confronting Venatori obstacles. Though this quest can be tricky, following these steps will ensure a smooth completion.

Step 1: Starting the Quest with Bastian

To initiate this quest, find Bastian at the southern end of Lavendel. He’ll direct you toward the Old Crossroads, where your journey through Venatori barriers and crystals begins. Note that if you haven’t completed Something Wrong in the Wetlands, certain paths may remain inaccessible.

Step 2: Breaking the Crystals to Clear the Path

Follow the quest marker to the Old Crossroads, then climb the stairs heading south. You’ll need to break multiple Venatori crystals in each area:

• Room One: Follow the crystal trail, destroying them as you go.
• Room Two: Continue breaking crystals, following red tendrils leading to each one.

The third room contains hidden crystals and periodically deals AoE damage, so exercise caution and search behind wooden structures to ensure you’ve destroyed all barriers.

Step 3: Navigating Gaspin Manor and Handling Enemy Ambushes

Once inside Gaspin Manor, you’ll face Venatori who guard numerous crystals. Given the crystal explosions, engage enemies from a distance to avoid unnecessary damage. Continue following red tendrils, breaking crystals as you progress.

Step 4: Final Demon Battle in the Cellar

• The Cellar Showdown: Head into the manor’s cellar, activate the door, and brace yourself for an intense encounter with a demon.
• Strategies for Victory: This demon can summon smaller allies and unleash damaging orbs. Bringing a party member like Neve, who has Blizzard or Time Slow abilities, can buy valuable recovery time. Healing potions located in the cellar will help you endure the fight if it becomes overwhelming.

Step 5: Returning to Lavendel for Rewards

With the demon defeated, head back to Lavendel and meet with Bastian for your rewards:

• Currency and Items: 300 Gold and 5 Fade-Touched Ore.
• Faction Boosts: +100 Mourn Watch Strength and +100 Grey Wardens Strength.
• Party Bond Increase: This quest completion strengthens bonds with your party members, adding an additional layer of benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Where can I find Bastian to start these quests?
A1: Bastian is located at the south end of Lavendel, close to where you enter the Hossberg Wetlands from the eluvian portal.

Q2: How do I solve the wisp puzzle in Gaspin Manor?
A2: Position the statues in the manor’s courtyard to face specific braziers. Once aligned, these statues will free the wisp, which opens a new exit.

Q3: How do I defeat the demon Consuming Obsession?
A3: Focus on detonation abilities to eliminate smaller demons and clones quickly, then avoid AoE attacks by switching rooms as needed.

Q4: What rewards can I expect from these quests?
A4: You’ll gain experience, gold, faction strength boosts with the Mourn Watch and Grey Wardens, special items, and enhanced bonds with party members.

Q5: Can I complete “An Academic Interest” before “Smuggled Relic Case”?
A5: It’s recommended to complete “Something Wrong in the Wetlands” first, as certain paths will remain blocked otherwise.